Description: Program Overview: Each student will be trained to use our 0.6 meter telescope and to analyze astronomical data.

Frequent seminars will cover recent breakthroughs in astronomy, computational techniques, preparing for graduate school, best practices for written and oral presentations, and responsible research conduct. A unique aspect of the Wyoming REU program is that all students will work together as a team on a single project.

Support

Each participant will be awarded a stipend of $500/week, housing, a meal allowance, and travel funds for getting to and from Laramie as well as the January meeting of the American Astronomical Society.

Research project

Our program will focus on characterizing the star formation histories of galaxies. Students will use the 2.3 meter telescope to obtain deep multi-band photometry of approximately 20 nearby galaxies. Students will learn how to process and analyze astronomical spectra and imaging data, learn techniques in scientific programming, and become expert observers. In fact, our 2012-2017 cohorts averaged 46 nights per summer on our 2.3 meter telescope on nearby Mt. Jelm.

Location

Situated between two mountain ranges and lying at an elevation of 7,200 feet, Laramie's location provides excellent outdoor opportunities in the Rocky Mountain West.

Previous REU participants have gone on hiking, climbing, rafting, camping, and nature/wildlife photography excursions. Destinations typically include Grand Tetons National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and local mountain ranges in southern Wyoming and northern Colorado. Laramie's unique cultural flavor combines elements of the rugged rural west with the cosmopolitan aspects of an intellectual center. By car, Laramie is approximately two hours from Denver.

Application Deadline: 2/15/2018

Program Dates: 5/21/2018 - 7/27/2018

Participating Institution(s):(Click an institution to see all programs it hosts)

Featured Program!

The Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program focuses on increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in astronomy, biology, chemistry, materials science and physics. Students work towards the Master’s degree at Fisk with the intention to enter a PhD program at Vanderbilt or elsewhere, with access to instructional and research opportunities at both institutions. Tuition, stipend, and medical insurance are provided. Click here to learn more and apply!